That’s the message conveyed in a flyer they’ll hand-deliver to about 3,000 Farmington homes in the days ahead. It calls on residents to support the financially strapped Gateway Project by buying bricks that will be used in its construction.

The roughly $110,000 project got under way with a groundbreaking ceremony this past March. Its centerpiece is a redesign of the land directly in front of the Farmington Commons plaza at the intersection of Routes 332 and 96. The 18-foot clock tower that went up over the summer will be flanked by a paver walkway, park benches, picnic tables, and a large, landscaped area with trees and hedges.

After the clock and a wooden gateway went up over the summer the project was stalled by lack of funding. John Malvaso, chair of the business council, said the plaza owners aired frustrations but were pleased once landscaping improvements were made.

“The goal is to create a park-like atmosphere and a community hub at Farmington’s main intersection,” said Malvaso. “Unlike neighboring communities, we don’t have a village. The project will not only enhance the look of the intersection but also provide a place for summer concerts and other events.”

But the project can’t advance without more funding. Through private donations and brick sales its backers have raised about $75,000. Malvaso hopes the flyers will give brick sales a boost; an additional $35,000 is needed for the project’s completion.

The pavers range in cost from $100 for a four-by-eight inch, standard-sized brick with engraving, to $500 for an eight-by-eight with custom engraving.

“The bricks make a unique Christmas gift,” said Malvaso, noting that a woman purchased one for her husband for his birthday recently. “And for businesses, it’s an effective, permanent advertisement. Plenty of people will see these pavers.”

The business council is part of the Farmington Chamber of Commerce. The Gateway Project is being funded solely by donations and paver sales. The town of Farmington has lent its support by overseeing an application to state Department of Transportation that was needed because the project is in a state right-of-way. The town has also agreed to fund the electricity for the clock and a few lights at the site.

“Even though this project is not yet complete we’re already pleased with the improvements to the intersection,” said town Supervisor Ted Fafinksi. “I hear a lot of compliments about the clock tower and I know it will provide a great venue for community events when it’s done.”

If all goes well with this most recent wave of fund raising, Malvaso said the project should be completed in the spring.